Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Taylor.
Hi Kelsey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After high school I jumped into the medical field right away. My mom was a nurse growing up and I always admired her. I worked as a CNA and then moved on to management where I learned a lot about myself as a person. There was a lot of proud moments during that time. I learned a lot about what kind of leader I want to be and the impact I could have on people. After almost 10 years, I started craving a change, but I was terrified to leave a job that I had known for so long. I eventually decided to follow my gut, and I moved on to another clinic, thinking that would be the change I needed. I still felt unsatisfied, and shifted to another position… and then another. I felt so frustrated with myself because I had always found some sort of fulfilment when I worked hard enough, but wasn’t finding what I was looking for. I wasn’t afraid to leave anymore. I wasn’t tied to any sort of career and sort of had a blank slate in front of me where I was really able to ask myself “if you could do ANYTHING, what would it be?”
I came home one day and told my husband I thought I wanted to start the coffee business I had always dreamt of. I expected some sort of hesitation or for him to tell me to think about it some more. Instead, he put on his shoes and said “let go buy an espresso machine” and there was no turning back. I finally had the support I needed, love to back me up and give me courage, and more knowledge because of my previous jobs. And that was the first day of starting Highlander Coffee!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t know that starting a business is ever a smooth road, but I think I felt so free knowing that I was doing something I was passionate about. Financially it’s always a struggle getting started. Taking that risk. Questioning my sense of worth and “am I contributing enough to my family” really weighed me down during the beginning stages. I was having to completely rediscover myself while clinging to this vision I had of what I want my future to be. Going from working an office 9-5 job that had steady income to working full time but on my terms…hoping what I was doing would be enough. I always tell people when they ask what the hardest part of owning a small business is…the answer is “not giving up”. Other than emotional struggles, getting my LLC was a nightmare. We were scammed by a company in the beginning and getting all that money back I remember was really difficult. Finding a trailer that was built out the way I needed it was also a tough process. And then there was learning the business. I had never worked as a barista, I was coming from a medical background. So I really had to buckle down and study and practice, waste tons of coffee, and humble myself to realizing I was at the bottom again. But it was also exciting. I got to meet so many amazing people I would have never met otherwise, and the coffee community is so kind. Other coffee shop owners I met guided me and taught me until I felt ready to go out on my first day of service.
It’s still a journey and each year that goes by I learn so many new things. I had to experiment with locations and events, discovering what works and what doesn’t quite work. The physical labor of running a coffee trailer is also straining. There is a lot of heavy lifting, early mornings, and stress. I also have 2 little kids who take up majority of my time and my heart, so balancing family and work is always something I have to manage.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I own a mobile coffee trailer/cart so the coffee can come to you! Growing up, I always thought that coffee being brought to my place of work would be a special treat and was excited to be able to do that for others. We cater private events such as corporate employee appreciation, weddings, open houses, etc. Something that sets us apart is our ability to come to your event, set up and serve delicious coffee! Another unique part of Highlander is that we offer GOATS milk as a milk alternative. It was my step-dad that gave me the idea, and once I tried it with coffee, I was hooked. It’s a great alternative for people who are looking to try something new with less lactose! It’s a unique experience that can cause quite a craving later and keep people coming back for more. I’m most proud of my logo brand wise. I think it’s such an awesome way to represent Utah and my heritage all in one. It’s something that everyone here can relate to, whether you’re a tourist or a local and really sets us apart.
We’re a small company, and I’m the sole barista at this point. So if you book with us, you’re going to get consistent care and service directly from the owner. I do everything I can to make each service exceptional and delicious, I won’t settle for less! When people book with us it means the world to me and you’re really supporting a small local business. Our coffee cart was created after the trailer but it’s a great option for winter events where you need service indoors away from the Utah cold!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My husband. He has been the biggest support during this journey. Always supporting my ideas and never questioning them. He always is quick to respond with a “you can totally do this”, or “yeah let’s give it a try”! When you’re starting a business, having this “take the risk” attitude in your corner is vital. My Step-Dad. When I was struggling to come up with the name for Highlander Coffee and a niche (Goats milk) he was so creative and was the one to suggest a goat in a kilt. When I heard the idea, I was sold. I give him credit all the time because people need to know this wasn’t all me. It was my families support and love that backed the idea. I simply put it into action.
My best friend Kloee- I’ve trained her to work as a barista with Highlander Coffee quality and couldn’t have done some of my past events without her. She’s taken days off of her work to help me, been there on weekends, watched my kids, and given me wonderful ideas! She’s the kindest person you’ll ever meet if you get the chance to visit us at the Farmers Markets and we dream about making this her full time job someday haha!
And my kids, always. They’re too young to understand how difficult starting a business can be or why they’re Mom isn’t around full time, but they always express how proud they are of me, especially my son. I can tell by how he always wants to wear a Highlander Coffee hoodie to school and work in the trailer with me that he is proud and thinks what his Mom is doing is pretty cool. They’re my biggest motivation.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.highlandercoffeeut.com
- Instagram: @highlandercoffee.ut
- Other: TikTok- Highlandercoffeeutah
